Baby food

Baby food seems to be a very interesting topic when I bring it up to other mommies. When did you start feeding your baby food? What kind of food did you first introduce to your baby? How much did you feed them, etc? The next debate... Do you make baby food or do you buy baby food?

I feel like there is so much to know and do when it comes to this topic. So, I've done a little research. The pros out way the cons in making your own baby food (time permitting). I came across a website I really liked and it was very informative. Wholesome baby food - reasons to make your own baby food.

My next question would be... which processor do you choose? A regular good ol processor or a baby specific?

Baby Brezza

Beaba Babycook

Cuisinart

What are your thoughts on that? I'm pretty much sold on the Beaba Babycook... but, should I just get a regular processor? Oh the options!

Photography Class - Day 5

LOVE TO HATE

Day 5 we were supposed to catch a loved one doing something that irritates us. I thought about this over and over... what does Grant do that drives me nuts? Then I came downstairs and figured it out! When Grant gets home from work he puts all his items on the dining room table. I'm kind of a neat freak so I go right behind him and put it on the entry way table. I like the dining room table with just my table runner and candles. I do like the fact he brought home that bottle of wine though. I put that into my wine rack! ;)

I used f/4, ISO 100 on this photo. 

I'm having troubles figuring out how to adjust my camera so that my local point is clear and the background is blurry. I hope to figure that out before this month is over. I think that might be my new goal...

I will hurry up and post Day 6 and Day 7 tomorrow. It was a busy weekend over here at the Stone house. Today we had the boys annual football on the beach and then we went to a super bowl party at Grant's best friend Matt's house. 

It's nice seeing all the "old timers" play a little game of footyball at the beach. And now most of us are parents so it's cool seeing how things change from year to year. For example, last year I was about 9 weeks pregnant with Jake! 

Here are some pics:

Photography Class - Day 4

What they wear

Loyal subject: Jake Stone

Wardrobe: Shoes

I took out Jakey poo's shoes and put them on top of his dresser. I decided to add a few of his argyle socks since he wears those quite a bit. 

Photo settings: f/2.8, SS 1/160th, ISO 1600, sunny day in window light.

After I took these pictures I got Jake ready and we went to Bella Terra in Huntington Beach. We met up with my sorority sister/mommy friend and her little one Victoria. We went to lunch and shopped. It was beautiful outside. I took a few pictures on my drive home (out the window). I couldn't resist. I took PCH all the way home from Liz's house. There is something freeing with that drive. Ever since I was 16 years old I would drive down PCH to clear my head. That stays true to this day.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Photography Class - Day 3

Then and Now

I thought about this the entire night... who and what should I do for a then and now. Then this morning I woke up and realized I'm too busy with my 5 month old to scan photos of Grant and I from 2004 or 2007... so, I decided to use another milestone in our relationship. THEN: The birth of our son. NOW: Tonight Grant was downloading itunes on the couch holding Jake, singing country music to him. Something casual. Things we do together just lounging around the house as a family.

THEN (September 1, 2010):
I choose 3. It was too hard to narrow down just one. The moment a man becomes a father. All from the hospital. Precious.

Proud Daddy.

Jake in the hospital - first 24 hours

Getting ready to leave the hospital. Family of 3. :)

NOW (February 3, 2011):

Using photo settings: f/2.8, SS 1/200th, ISO 1600. The photos were taken in a very dim room... NO flash. I can't believe what my camera is able to do. 

Singing and downloading country music

kisses and hugs 

Gosh, this just makes me such a happy mommy. My two boys. My loves. 

Pretty cool what the camera can really do.

Photography Class - Day 2

Today's lesson: How they look.

Today we had to capture our loved one at their best/worst/or both. The true essence/expressions/attitude/posture, etc.

I of course choose Jake. My loyal subject. Brady my cockapoo even jumped in on the picture taking! :)

Here are some pictures using natural light. ISO 800. No flash. I played around with all the settings, used the manual setting, etc. For day 3 I will focus more on what I'm using. Perhaps take out my camera book. I was confused on where my shutter speed was. Anyhow, here are some pictures from today.

Jake was sitting in his bouncy right after breakfast. I wanted to capture his "bed head". He's always smiling and laughing. He's a morning person... just like his mommy!

I had the ISO button turned up too high on this one!

Love and cheers,

5 months and 22 weeks old.

YUMMY!

What's new with Jake Stone? Well, let's see... he's been rolling since he was 11 weeks, but now he's rolling all over the house. I have to constantly keep an eye on him. He's also trying to crawl! His favorite accomplishment is sitting up. He's sturdy! Today I'm switching him to size 4 diapers and 12 month size clothes. Big like daddy? I think so! He's so strong. He pulls up on everything. He likes to stand (when I'm of course still hanging on slightly), and he LOVES eating. He's back on rice cereal. I started feeding him with a spoon. He likes it either way. Spoon or bottle... just as long as he's getting it. :)

Chewing on the bowl!

Mom's/Dad's: When did you start feeding your little one(s) solids? And what solids? It seems like this answer varies from doctor to doctor and mother to mother. Just curious!

I absolutely LOVE my little man. He now is taking naps in his crib... but, he's still in our room at night. We like him there. ha ha. But, I'm reading a new book, "The Sleepeasy Solution". I like this book. We are buying a new chair this weekend for his room so I'll be able to feed him in there at night. It's just whether mommy and daddy are ready. We have to make the decision for the sleep training and then we have to stick to it.

Everything else has been great. Happy, healthy little dude... That is constantly smiling and laughing. Life is good.

Here are some pictures of my 5 month old babe.

Silly boy doesn't like to sit still.

Took off his socks!

 Love and cheers,
Brooke

Photography Class - Day 1

I was reading my friend Dawn's Facebook page and I noticed that she posted something about a FREE photography class. I immediately had to check out the link. I have been talking about enrolling in our local college and going to a class with my Canon G11 camera. Well, one thing lead to another... now I have an infant... blah, blah, blah... Never enrolled.

This class is not only free... it's online!

So, here's the deal:

Everyone morning I get an email with an assignment/prompt. Then you can use their flicker account they created to post your pictures if you like! That's it!


suggested class materials:

• someone(s) you love
• a camera
• a desire to stretch your photographic skills

what you can expect from this willette JOY class:

• a daily email during the month of february
• the email will contain a photo idea and occasional tips
• a public flickr gallery to share photos
• an album template download at the end for all of your photos you take during the class
• a journey to help you document your loved one(s) – whether it is a spouse, partner, child, pet, parent or friend 

Click on the link if you are interested: the joy of LOVE

Here are some pictures from my first assignment. Playing with natural light. Choosing a subject at play... Who else would I choose? My little man Jake! 

I ALWAYS use my flash, and I usually have it on automatic. Not today. Today, I used the natural light in my house, flash off, and ISO 800! I was amazed at the results! 

Love and cheers,

Brooke